Who is responsible for allocating numbers to bus routes? Is it entirely a matter for the individual bus company, or does the local authority have any influence? What would happen if two rival companies wanted to use the same number on different routes in the same area?
Also, what counts as the "same" route? For example, here in Bath the Wessex Connect 5 route is identical to the First 5 route except in the city centre, where it is diverted away from First's bus station (I presume either for contractual or cost reasons). Could Wessex Connect vary the route at other points if they wished to?
Also, what counts as the "same" route? For example, here in Bath the Wessex Connect 5 route is identical to the First 5 route except in the city centre, where it is diverted away from First's bus station (I presume either for contractual or cost reasons). Could Wessex Connect vary the route at other points if they wished to?